Bangkok: Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a prominent member of the Prachachon Party, has expressed gratitude to the public for trusting him as the leading candidate for prime minister, according to recent Nida Poll results. The poll highlighted his political popularity in the second quarter, positioning him as the number one choice among the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong acknowledged the significant drop in popularity for the current prime minister, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. He attributed this decline to her administration's failure, which has led to a loss of public confidence. There is also a noted rise in popularity for other candidates, including former prime minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha. Mr. Nattapong expressed concerns over the potential for political instability, fearing a shift towards non-democratic processes, such as a coup.
When questioned about Gen. Prayut's rising popularity, which now places him third, Mr. Nattapong indicated that the poll results reflect a public desire for a strong leader capable of addressing issues like the Thai-Cambodian situation. However, he cautioned against political groups exploiting public sentiment to instigate undemocratic actions. He stressed the importance of adhering to democratic principles and warned against being swayed by calls for extra-systemic power.
In addressing how the opposition plans to navigate the current political uncertainty, Mr. Nattapong emphasized the need for open communication with the public. He clarified that while it is crucial to engage in democratic debate, any guidance from protest leaders advocating for undemocratic actions should be reconsidered by the public. He urged people to be mindful and not to become tools for any political group's agenda.
Mr. Nattapong concluded by advocating for two main principles: the need for an effective government that can build public trust, and the rejection of any process outside the democratic system. He called for mindfulness and a step back from supporting undemocratic pathways.